Saluting a Security Officer for a Lifetime of Service

April 19, 2018

Jody ClounchPPOA Board Member Security Officer

One of the benefits of working for the largest Sheriff’s Department in the world is the amount of people you get to meet and work with over the course of a career. I think you’ll agree that some colleagues simply have a positive impact wherever they go. They are larger than life. That description literally and figuratively applies to Security Officer Phillip Powdrill, aka “The Gentle Giant.” I had the privilege of visiting with Powdrill last month for his retirement barbecue at Harbor College and I have to say he is one of those partners we will all miss running into at work.

Powdrill’s dedication to Los Angeles County goes back to 1992, when he was hired by the Marshal’s Office and proudly donned its light powder blue shirt with dark blue pants. But his commitment to service extends beyond that. Powdrill is a proud Navy veteran who served four years as an officer and 12 years as a reserve. He spent his entire adult life in one uniform or another, putting others before himself, and that speaks volumes about his character.

After working eight years in the courts, Phillip transferred to College Bureau and went on to spend the past 18 years at Inglewood Court, Long Beach Court, CCB and CCH, respectively. When all was said and done, he had accomplished a simple but important goal: making a difference.

Phillip is now pulling up stakes and relocating to Texas to be near family. On behalf of PPOA, I want to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck for a long, happy, healthy retirement!

STAR & SHIELD FOUNDATION The phrase “I’ve got your back” is thrown around often in law enforcement. Simply put, we all need partners we can trust. If you are not yet familiar with PPOA’s Star & Shield Foundation, please be advised that it is your partner who will be there when push comes to shove. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by PPOA members in 2001. Its sole purpose is to support those in need. Since its inception, the foundation has helped hundreds of worthy causes, organizations and individuals. Money raised at annual events like the Heroes Ride and the Peace Officer Memorial Golf Tournament have helped the foundation support members in need in all PPOA classifications, including security officers, custody assistants, deputies and more.

If you would like to help support the foundation and its mission, please consider a small payroll deduction in any amount you see fit. Some PPOA members contribute $5 a month and some contribute more, but every dollar helps the cause.